What are the Benefits?

I have a friend that asked me a couple weeks ago what the good thing about having kids was.  It was a light hearted conversation about life, so we joked about the tax benefits, and she argued with me that they cost more then the tax refund.  After some additional light hearted conversation we went on to talk about other things.  On my drive home that night I starting thinking more about her question.  Over the last couple weeks this type of question/discussion has come up.  As a mother of three, you would think I would be able to easily answer this question, but it's not!  Why is it not? What are the benefits of being a Mother/Father? 

We joke all the time about the sleepless nights, the mass craziness of kids, the house being covered in toys, the mountains of laundry, the timeouts, the temper tantrums, and the bodily fluids (need I say more)!  We laugh at stories about embarrassing moments and out of control kids.  So it's very easy to understand why the question would be asked...It's understandable.

I don't know if it's a sad statement that people with out kids might now know the joy or benefits of having kids, but the more I thought about it, the more it bothered me.  So...Here it is...

The first moment you see your child for the first time you can't imagine every loving anything as much as you love that baby.  But then they start to grow, and smile at you!  You never thought a smile smile or even better yet, a laugh could melt your heart.  As they grow their personality starts to develop, and you start to understand what they think and how they act.  You are the one person that knows every secret, and knows every story.  You get hugs and kisses just for being you, and there is no one in the world they trust more.  No one else that can make there skinned knee feel better, or that they want to snuggle with when they don't feel good.  They make you laugh, they make you cry, the make you want to pull out your hair.  They tell you that you look pretty, and that they love you.  So what is the Benefit of Having kids.  There is not just one, there are a million but the best way I know is to say...

They are my life! 

2011 - Update

So in January, I posted an entry about all the things I was hoping 2011 would bring.  Since the year is getting closer to it's conclusion, I thought it would be a good time to revisit that list...

• A new job or a new career. (Something that makes me happy!) Done - Been at DEMCO for 8 months now, and I love it.  Great company!  Enjoying my position, and learning more everyday!
• Kale being potty trained! (I have had 6 1/2 years of diapers, and I am ready for it to be over!) Done - He is fully potty Trained, and even waking up dry about 90% of the time!  It's wonderful!
• A Superbowl victory for the Packers! (Sorry Steeler's fans!) Done - Super Bowl Champs, and starting the new season 4-0!
• Rylee growing back in her two front teeth. (The girl couldn't eat an apple if her life depended on it.) Well...They are getting there.  One is in all the way, and the second one is working it's way in!  They both look huge, but we are heading in the right direction.
• I would love to lose about 20 lbs, but who wouldn't! No real progress here.  I haven't lost much, but I haven't gained either!
• Eli to not pee at night.  I am afraid he is going to have to wear pull-ups to college! (He is a sound sleeper, but come on!) He woke up the other day dry.  First time in months...Maybe that is progress? 
• I can't wait to meet my new nephew in April...I hope makes things nice on his Mom and enters the world quickly and healthily! Theo is approaching 6 months and is a sweetheart!  He is healthy and happy, and a wonderful addition to the family!
• I hope Trent has a great baseball season, and his team makes it to the final four.  (Two reasons: 1.) I know that he really wants to play in the championship game, and it would be a great accomplishment for him and his team, and 2.) Then he could retire!  Ha ha!) Well, The Royals lost in the first round of the playoffs, but had a good year all in all.  They battled hard!
• I hope I get to spend lots of time with my family and freinds, cause you all mean the world to me! I have gotten to spend lots of time with Family, and this fall I am going to work on the Friends thing!  Need to get together more often with them.  I miss you guys!

So all in all things are going well in 2011.  Now I just have to work on losing weight and getting together with friends more often.  It has been a good year so far!  Until next time!